Day One - Saturday - September 24, 2011 - Boston to Camden

Phil and I left Boston at 9:26 am intending to take the scenic route up the coast of New England – Phil was driving.    By the time we stopped for lunch at 12:30 pm -- we were only in Wells, ME.  I would not have minded except that we didn’t stop at any antique or consignment shops --- our only stop was the Verizon store because I was having a problem with my phone’s navigation system.

Our Lady of Good Harbor

After lunch -- I took the wheel and immediately got on to Route 95 heading north.   We arrived in Camden at 3:35 pm.   It was mild, and cloudy with a bit of  a drizzle.  I remembered that the Catholic Church had Mass at 4:00 pm so after checking in to The Inn at Camden Place  -- we headed straight  for  Our Lady of Good Hope.  This was a most picturesque church befitting a Maine coastal town.   Phil lasted about half way through the Mass and told me he’d meet me in town.

After Mass  as I was ambling  toward town I happened upon Frugal Suzy’s -- consignment shop --- I picked up a couple of shirts for Yoga and a Lands End Kaki jacket - total tab:  $23.00.  I met Phil in town – he had a knowing look on his face as I approached with a bag in my hand. 

Phil by Camden Harbor

We walked around Camden – the harbor looks like it belongs in a movie set.   The hotel recommended six restaurants:  three when I called to make the reservation and three different recommendations when we checked in.  All  were within walking distance of downtown so we checked out all the menus.  We went in to one place – had a drink at the bar and then continued on our way.    We went in to another place -- were seated at the table – and decided it wasn’t the right atmosphere for us so we left.  Are we getting more picky in our old age or do we have more time on our hands?   Maybe we just don’t  give a damn what anyone else thinks?

Justin, Wind, Pat at 40 Papers

We ended up at “40 Paper Italian Bistro and Bar” --- a deciding factor was a recommendation from a woman sitting on a bench in the middle of town.  It was the only place we hadn’t checked the menu and I asked her for directions --- and as an after thought I said “So is this place any good?”    She said it was fabulous and they had a great bartender.

We arrived at Forty Papers -- met Justin and Wind (his parents were hippies) – they were both great bartenders and looked alike to boot.   We had dinner at the bar – it was terrific  – we made the right choice.  

After dinner --- we strolled around town --- just about everything was closed except for an ice cream place --- so we imbibed – went back to our room and collapsed.

A good first day of our Maine Culinary Experience!